On-line resources

Finding Caregiving supplies and equipment can be an adventure in frustration. The Caregiver Foundation of America scours the internet for items that are of real value to Caregivers. A recent addition to the selections is a simple swivel seat that makes getting in and out a car so much easier.

Blackberry phones and cell phones are hard to use - those tiny buttons give even well-sighted people trouble. Home phones are a little better but the big button phone can be a lifesaver!

You can even find specialized clothing that still looks nice - like these side opening velcro closure pants. Finding resources like these can help your loved maintain independence.

Take a look around the store - items change and come and go so if you see something you cannot order - let me know and we will try to find a new source!

Caregiving can be easier with tools and resources designed to help both you and your loved one. Don't hesitate to ask us about other resources that can help.

Potential Savings for Seniors!

The Social Security Administration has a program to help subsidize Medicare Part D prescription drug premium payments. While this is not a new program, what is new is the expansion of qualified low-income seniors eleigible for the help.

Called the Extra Help program is estimated to have an average annual benefit of $3900 for Seniors whose income is no greater than $16,245 (for singles) and $21,855 for married couples living together. Add to those figures the value of stocks, bonds, bank accounts etc. which cannot exceed $12,500 for singles and $25,010 for couples. Homes and automobiles are not factored in this equation. Now - 2 other asset bases are not counted against low-income Seniors. Cash value life insurance is not counted and neither is assistance received from family and friends if used to pay for ordinary household expenses.

If you have not qualified in the past or have a loved one or friend who you think might benefit from this - apply. The potential benefit is nothing to dismiss lightly. Apply at the Social Security Administration website.

Contact The Caregiver Foundation of America at 808-625-3782 for more information or help in investigating this benefit. Visit www.thecaregiverfoundation.com

Remembering - ?

"I can't remember where I put the car keys!"
"What is that person's name?"
"I had an appointment today?"

These words can be heard from almost anyone but they become more and more frequent as people age. For Caregivers, these issues present situations that can frustrate and irritate and often we try to "fix" the situation.

We remind
We scold
We encourage

and none of them work. Much better are the practical helps like lists, designated spots for keys and other important items, automated reminders, and a host of other ways to help compensate for memory loss and confusion.

For many Caregivers, memory issues become more and more debilitating as our loved one moves from losing keys to not remembering if he ate breakfast, forgets to take a bath, leaves medications untouched, or wanders off and gets lost. It is frightening to see our loved one forgetting past times and the faces of people that were in his life. It is as if our existence in his memory is threatened - and in the case of severe dementia, like Alzheimer's disease, this is a real possibility.

As Caregivers we have to become confident in our memory of the loved we care for. It is a good idea to have photographs of friends and family and review them with our loved ones. This helps them to connect, however breifly, with memories that scamper all over their minds. Old songs are frequently recalled in part and can connect events with music. Anything you can do to provide keys to the past will help your loved one. But you must do this in a way that is not pushy and where you do not become impatient and irritated that the picture you just showed him has already been forgotten and you have to go through the same routine of memory tugs that you did less than 5 minutes ago.

What issues are you having with memory care? post them here and I will answer them.